Ever since its introduction back in 1976, the Honda Accord has charted a never ending course of consistent improvements to its driving dynamics, technology, reliability, build quality and ease of use for drivers of all skill levels. This constant and reliable mantra of self-improvement along with Honda’s continuing insistence that engineers have the final say on all matters automotive have all coalesced to make Accord the no-brainer buying decision in the family sedan market.
The 2011 Accord continues this tradition of excellence by offering class leading driving fun, excellent fuel economy, a comfortable cabin with plenty of room for five adults and their luggage as well as that ever elusive Honda build quality that reminds you why all of those 10, 15 and 20 year old Accords that are still on the roads still look so darn good. Have you ever noticed how many old Accords are still on the road? If not, pay attention next time you go to the grocery store.
2011 Honda Accord Sedan: ExteriorFor 2011 Honda saw fit to do some very subtle tweaking to the exterior of the 2011 Honda Accord with a new, wavier front grille and more detailing added to the tail light design in the form of a couple of reflective strips. So as far as Honda redesigns go, the 2011 model year will go down in history as one that most people won’t remember from an exterior appearance perspective.
We think the 2011 Accord, however, is one of the better looking family sedans in its class barring one distinctive superior—the 2011 Kia Optima which may be the first family sedan to bring premium exterior and interior design motifs to the this, more affordable type of car. Whereas the Accord looks a lot like a Honda inside and out, the Kia somehow pulls off the look and feel of an Audi.
Our SE trim level model tipped the scales at 3,300 pounds which is about average nowadays for a family sedan of this size. Cargo volume comes in at 14.7 cubic feet which is about a cubic foot or so behind the 2011 Sonata, Optima and 2012 VW Passat but should still prove more than adequate for most family needs. The Accord does have a nice sized 18.5 gallon fuel tank which ensures lengthy cruising distances and all Accord engines run on regular unleaded so that should save you money as gas approaches pricing one could only call ludicrous.
Now, most people don’t buy family sedans because of their pulse pounding exterior styling and the Accord, while pleasing to the eye, isn’t really much different. Honda may want to try and be a bit more daring when they do a full redesign of the next generation Accord just to keep up with rivals but for now the status quo is good enough to win it a place among the best looking family sedans. It may not be revolutionary but the Accord just looks “nice.” And there’s nothing wrong with that.
2011 Honda Accord Sedan: InteriorWhile the latest Passat and Optima have upped the game in regards to interior quality and style, the 2011 Honda Accord still uses materials, leathers and plastics that make the grade and rank far higher than those you find in the Sonata, Altima, Mazda6, Fusion and even Camry. The 2011 Honda Accord SE trim level, however, is new for this model year and is a clear attempt to compete more directly with lower-priced Korean competitors.
Some have complained that the current-generation Accord’s dashboard has too many buttons but they are all obscenely large and marked in a font so huge that you are left to wonder if this interior was designed for people whose vision is so bad they might not know the difference between driving on the sidewalk and a freeway carpool lane. A round knob is also cleverly placed high on the center of the dash and controls some audio, in-dash navigation and other functions you generally use while driving so its placement is true ergonomic perfection as it allows you to keep your eyes up and level with the road.
The SE model stickers for $23,370 and comes standard with leather seats, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a 6-speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, cruise control, floormats and air conditioning.
The only thing we can see missing from this SE model that would make it perfect is Bluetooth and USB/iPod integration. The Accord SE comes with an Aux-input jack but those require you look down at your MP3 player to listen to a new song and strikes us as just as dangerous as texting on your cell phone while driving. If you want USB/iPod integration you will have to upgrade to EX trim ($24,305) but that will lose your leather seats in the process. Bluetooth Is available with EX-L trim ($27,555) which gives you leather seats, XM satellite radio, dual zone climate control and an upgraded audio system but is noticeably more expensive.
Although Honda’s prices are totally reasonable for the price class, perhaps the Accord could do with a few more of the modern conveniences at lower trim levels like Kia and Hyundai offer. Unlike the Sonata, the Accord does not give buyers Bluetooth and USB/iPod integration as part of the deal. Most family-car drivers all have cell phones and iPods, so there really is no excuse for that kind of omission.
2011 Honda Accord Sedan: Performance and SafetyOur 2011 Honda Accord SE test vehicle was saddled with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with the lowest power output (EX and above get a 190 horsepower/162 lb. feet of torque variant of the same engine), never once did we long for more power and the VTEC howl from the engine bay never failed to thrill and excite unlike the base 4-cylinders at Kia and Hyundai which do fine impersonations of rather soul-less sewing machines. The 2.4-liter Honda engine, on the other hand, loves to sing and has a hearty growl and the closest thing an engine can get to a soul.
The thing that most impresses us about the 2011 Honda Accord, however, is the finely tuned balance you find in the ride/handling compromise and the power steering calibration. Simply put, no other family sedan has the moves of the 2011 Honda Accord whether you are taking corners on the long way home or just ferrying your children home from soccer practice. This family sedan never fails to put a smile on the driver’s face no matter what the occasion but doing so without upsetting the comfort of the rest of passengers in the car. This is the magic the Honda Accord has delivered for decades.
Even though the 2011 Honda Accord is not a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS, that is only due to the fact that it got marked down one grade in the rollover test to “Acceptable” rather than “Good.” To make matters more confusing, the Accord got five stars (the top score) from the Government’s NHTSA when it tested this iconic family sedan’s rollover roof strength. Who to believe? How about trying not to flip over your new 2011 Accord sedan and you won’t have to worry about roof strength so much? Otherwise, the Accord gets top marks in front, side and rear impact collision safety.
2011 Honda Accord Sedan: SummarySure, there may be splashier, sexier and better equipped family sedans out there on the market today but none of them do as many things well as the 2011 Honda Accord. It is fun to drive, fuel efficient, solidly constructed, roomy, a good value and always ranks near the top of the heap for resale value. So if you are in any doubt, just buy an Accord and we guarantee you will not regret your family sedan purchase.
Now, we aren’t saying that the Accord is perfect because steadily increasing competition is showing a few of its weak spots. Honestly, why would you buy a Camry or Sonata when the Accord can show them both a clean pair of heels at the first hint of curves; those two cushy sedans may have marshmallowy soft rides.
Honda provided the vehicle for this review
